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Tk870cr project proposed to restore Kaptai power plant capacity
Published : Saturday, 3 October, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Observer Correspondent
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has proposed a Tk869.97 crore project to restore the full generation capacity of Units 4 and 5 of the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station in Kaptai, Rangamati.
If implemented, the project will restore around 20–30 megawatts of lost capacity, allowing the two units to utilise their full combined generation capacity of 100MW.
The proposed project includes Tk656.98 crore in foreign loans, Tk200.58 crore from government funds and Tk12.40 crore from BPDB's own funds. A loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is being considered for the project. The preliminary development project proposal (PDPP) has already been sent to the Planning Commission for in-principle approval.
Units 4 and 5 of the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station were installed in 1988, with each having a generation capacity of 50MW. However, due to mechanical and structural problems caused by prolonged operation, the units currently generate around 30–40MW each. The units were last overhauled in June 2010 and April 2011 respectively.
Engineers said a full overhaul of each unit is generally required after 10 years, but the work could not be completed due to financial and logistical constraints.
The initiative for the rehabilitation project was first taken in 2018. However, it remained stalled for more than seven years due to procurement complications. International tenders were invited three times but were cancelled for various reasons.
As the two units were built using Toshiba technology, companies other than Toshiba's representative could not meet the tender requirements. The tender process was subsequently cancelled following objections from local contractors.
As a result, the rehabilitation work remained stalled, and the units have been kept operational through temporary repairs without a major overhaul.
Under the BPDB proposal, key components of the two units will be rehabilitated or replaced. These include rotor rim supports, stator coils, rotor poles, insulation, turbine runners, shaft seals and bearings. The governor, automation and control systems and other auxiliary systems will also be upgraded.
Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station Manager Engineer Mahmud Hasan said a rehabilitation proposal for Units 4 and 5 had been submitted following instructions from BPDB.
He said the project would take around five years to implement.
Mahmud Hasan said the rehabilitation would restore the units' full combined generation capacity of 100MW. It would also reduce the risk of major mechanical failures and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the power station.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
